In Pakistan, menstrual pads are considered a luxury item, with the government enforcing a 40% tax on period products, as per a media report. Despite global efforts to eliminate taxes on menstrual health products, Pakistan still views these items as luxury goods. Unlike essential items, period products in Pakistan face a luxury tax and lack tax exemptions.
According to a 2025 UNICEF report, Pakistan lacks a national policy, plan, or strategy for menstrual health and hygiene. Bushra Mahnoor, from Mahwari Justice, a Pakistani nonprofit advocating for menstrual health, highlighted that while the country exempts various essential items from taxes, menstrual products face a hefty 40% tax. Efforts to remove this luxury tax include a petition with over 10,000 signatures and a lawsuit filed to reclassify menstrual products as essential goods.
India, on the other hand, eliminated the menstrual tax in July 2018, making menstrual hygiene items 100% tax-exempt to enhance affordability and accessibility, particularly for girls’ education. This decision transformed menstrual hygiene products into essential goods, removing the previous 12% tax burden.
